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Handout / Reuters
Free Syrian Army fighters and residents carry the bodies of people killed by what activists said were missiles fired by a Syrian Air Force fighter jet from forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad at a bakery in Halfaya, near Hama, Sunday, Dec. 23.
BEIRUT, Lebanon --- Dozens of people were killed and many more wounded in an airstrike that hit a Syrian bakery where a large crowd was waiting in line for bread on Sunday, activists said.
If confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest air strikes of Syria's civil war.
"There is no way to really know yet how many people were killed. When I got there, I could see piles of bodies all over the ground. There were women and children," said Samer al-Hamawi, an activist in the town of Halfaya. "There are also dozens of wounded people."
Rami Abdelrahman, of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, also said the death toll was still very unclear.
"From looking at the videos, I expect the death toll to be around or above 50, and not higher than 100. But for now I am keeping my estimate at dozens killed, until we have more information," he said.
Halfaya, in the central province of Hama, had been seized by rebels last week in a push to seize new territory in their 21-month-old revolt against President Bashar al-Assad.
Another activist said residents picking through the bodies were still determining which were wounded and which were dead.
Hamawi, who spoke via Skype, uploaded a video of the scene that showed dozens of dust-coated bodies lined up near a pile of rubble beside a concrete building with blackened walls.
Screams could be heard in the video as some men rushed to the scene on motorcycles and other residents limped away. Dozens of dead bodies could be seen.
The authenticity of the video could not be immediately verified, as the government restricts access into Syria.
Activists said more than a thousand people had been lined up at the bakery in Halfaya. Shortages of fuel and flour have made bread production erratic across Syria, and bread lines are often hours long.
Muhammed Muheisen / AP
A look back at the violence that has overtaken the country
Activists say more than 44,000 people have been killed in the 21 months since the eruption of anti-Assad protests, inspired by the Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and elsewhere.
Western powers and some Arab countries have repeatedly demanded that Assad step down.
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Mainly Sunni Muslim rebels are fighting on the edge of the capital Damascus and expanding southwards from their northern strongholds in the provinces around Aleppo and Idlib.
But Assad, who is from the Alawite minority linked to Shi'ite Islam, has branded the rebels as terrorists and responded with artillery, air strikes and - according to NATO, which is stationing anti-missile defenses in neighboring Turkey - with Scud-type missiles.
Earlier on Sunday, Syria's information minister distanced the government from comments by the vice president that neither the rebels nor Assad's forces could win the civil war.
The foreign minister of Russia, one of Syria's main allies, said on Saturday that the conflict had reached stalemate, and that Assad would not yield to international efforts to persuade him to quit.
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Shiite or Sunni. Can someone remind me which one of these flavors doesn't hate the West, doesn't treat non-believers as infidels that must die, and doesn't treat women as expendable property?
I think they both do.
Both groups have burned the American flag, and fairly recently too.
I'm just glad it wasn't a dozen bagels. Screw all the rest of 'em.
Eventually, one of them will decide the other one's prophet is the "true" prophet, and unite the largest religion on earth. Until then, WE ARE ALL COLLATERAL DAMAGE.
Lordprynce
DW12290 Tampa is correct.Essentially there are Shi'ites or Sunnis in all terrorist groups.Iran and Hezbollah are Shi'ite.Al Qaida, Hamas, Muslim Brotherhood and the Taliban are Sunni. There are blends of the two "tribes" in every ME country. Throw in the Kurds and you have the huge violent problem in the Middle East that exists today.
These tribes are sometimes united against certain competitors enemies like the West or Israel. Iran (Shi'ite) backs Hamas (Sunni) and Hezbollah (Shi'ite) against Israel.
Tribalism is stronger than Nationalism in the ME as the geopolitical boundaries created by the British after the Ottomans were deleted are meaningless to these fundamentalist quacks who want nothing but the old 7th century Caliphate.
hope they have a good christmas...really i do...smile...
7,000,000,000+++ People in the World. The majority of the World's Wealth and Resources in the pockets of the Few. MUSLIM/Islamic fanatacism spreading ESP amongst the poor and angry middle east majority who are desperate. Shrinking Planetary Natural Resources with Exploding Population of 3rd World Countries including the Phillipines, TOTALLY Out of Control. World DEBT Hovering. Way too Many People, Way To FEW jobs with environmental needs not a World PRIORITY. Weapons, ESP HandGuns, being produced on a lucrative Global Scale, NOT Just USA. Take away guns from Law Abiding Americans? That will leave an Enormous American Handgun BlackMarket open to every hole in the wall gunmaker around the globe.... A Lot of Problems for US to solve in 2013.
was that a backers dozen or cheaper by the dozen.
Too bad the UN will not put up a no fly zone. Kind of hard to take this . Makes mass killing here look tame.
Phantom and mj, your both right on the money when it comes to guns, death and government responsibilites. Syrian jets shot the missile into that baker, we don't need a future were pilotless drones armed with who know what stalking groups across the country just because of there beliefs. Not a good sign for the future anywhere, when the people are unarmed.
One thing I've learned in all this:
It's never a good idea to stand in line in the Middle East.
I hope this war drags on longer. They are doing our work for us. These people hate us.
This is a terrible tragedy to be sure, but I couln't help but smile as I read the reporters ironic (deliberate?) (clever?)word choices...
"Airstrike Kills Dozens at Bakery"
Does anyone see why I smiled?
Anyone?
Bakery? Dozens?
Winner is Sunnis of Saudi extremist hating and killing varieties of Salaffi and Wahhabi!
They are in seventh century desert hating and killing mode.
Sunni Syrian rebels supported by the Sunni killing fronts like al Qaida, Muslim Bloodhounds, Salaffi can't even tolerate Assad, as Assad belongs to a different sect!
Shiites are in tenth century!
For females both are equally good or bad.
For some: House of Saud, a Wahhabi ruler with 5000 princes and princesses with their huge harems are models of women liberty, fairness, followers of Sharia Laws and so on!
When it comes of inidels, both forget after their jobs are done or even while they are battling each other and start their hate and killer marches!
Seventh century desert mindset, Syrian Human Observatory stationed in Britain won't touch these topics.
Some body must be crazy to have "human rights" in their titles and be a front for Sunni Islamic religious Nazis.
What I want to know is this. Do you see any women or children in the video? And why is their the following video ALL OVER the web, especially Live Leak and youtube showing a person dropping 'Bread' on the ground at this scene? Why would someone have to run around dropping flat bread if it were a bakery it would be everywhere.
This looks to me like Propaganda from the FSA for more weapons...through deception. Are none of these stories vetted before they are published?
Were the casualties numbered in baker's dozens?
No, 13 is an unlucky number. Do you think you'd get an extra throw-in in THAT part of the world? I don't think so. But they're all jelly donuts in the mind.
i hope no honey bun's were damaged...
Who could count with halfaya over here and halfaya over there...
Cant you just take the word "dozens" out of the headline? Really bad play on words, although I see you somewhat fixed it.
maddy indabuff NY said:
"Who could count with halfaya over here and halfaya over there..."
Now godammit, THAT was FUNNY ! ! !
When oil rich Sunni rulers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other other Arab League nations and their puppets start counting in their desert dresses with that mindset, dozens become important.
Of course, they count girls and women in their harems.
When Sunni Arab rulers sent their "human rights" team and right boss, a Sudanese Gen to Syria, 300000 Christians did not matter in Darfur!
Either these Sunni rulers are crazy or their puppets trying to make a big deal what Sunni rulers' opponents do are crazy!
We will be crazy to trust a word of what they say or sing!
There are close to 200 casualties (dead) and scores injured. To actually see the horrible carnage- gpt to http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx./163470#.UNc_QG_Aey8 or http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4323544,00.html Iran Press Tv was reporting that Iranians are delivering aid to Syrian Yarmok Refugees. This happened in central Syrian city of Hama- town of Halfaya- there are also reports that Aleppo was hit too.
What a horrible thing to happen for those who were just seeking some peace and food, starving during this conflict between Assad and the rebels. It just makes me sick to my stomach thinking of the helpless women and children killed, after all they have been through, waiting in lines for long hours, to suddenly be struck down.
As is so often true, in war, it is the most helpless, who pay the ultimate cost, while those who have the means and power, fight it out amongst themselves, to control, ultimately their fate.
I pray those who were suffering and have lost their lives, will be at peace, finally. For those still struggling, I pray them may get the help, food and resources to be able to move forward with their lives, in peace.
Yeah, unfortunately in Syria, the old saying twists something like this:
The people want bread; let them eat cordite.
I think we should start supplying both sides of this war with guns and explosives. That way its a win, win for us. Two muslim factions eradicating each other. Hmmmm, sounds like a new strategy to me, supply both sides so both sides die, no more islam. Yup thats my answer to the Islam problem.
Hopefully Iran will really get involved and go to war with these terrorists. I would love to see a battle
between Iranian troops and these terrorists trying to overthrow the Syrian government.
Only and World,
The government is way ahead of you. USA is already helping the rebels, knowing full well that Russia was helping Assad and Iran is still helping.
Everyone deliberately keeps their help within AK-47 limits, so neither side would get powerful enough for a quick win. Keeping the war going for as long as possible is exactly what our government wants, so does the Russian government and so does UN.
Iranians also wont mind if this war continues indefinitely, but they still seem to hope that Assad does last for as long as possible. I doubt they would enter the war just to save Assad, unless another country like Turkey (for example) got involved and made it sound like a challenge to Iran.
The problem is that Turkey now has reinforcements from NATO, including American troops, which means that if Turkey get into this mess, they will drag us and everyone else in with them. All hell would break loose.
As it is not thousands, what does the number matter?
More the merrier!
And if America or Israel did this the entire Muslim world would be up in arms. But when Muslims kills Muslims it seems to be tolerated by all Muslims. What is the death toll in Syria now close to 40,000?
What a great religion this is!!!
I kinda think the more sand they have, the more lines they can draw in it, so - you know - ya never know whose line you're stepping over, or what's gonna happen if you do.
Muslim on Muslim violence is the best kind. They do our dirty work for us and somehow it ends up being
politically correct! It is win win!
Ya gotta wonder what Assad thought they were baking there?
44,000 dead in a civil war? There have been >55,000 killed in Mexico during the same period. A nation where guns are illegal.
And Mexican law enforcement is honestly working for peace, justice, and the Mexican way? Don't fool yourself. The government in Mexico is more dangerous than the drug cartels, because you never know who's going to cover your back or who's going to shoot you in it.
Warren, that is one of the most profound statements ever. Also covers our troops in Afghanistan.
This is Obama's "Arab Spring," encouragement of Muslims to become less free and more fundamentalist. And also more murderous. Anyone here think that if Assad were gone the massacre of the other side would not begin? Sunni v Shi'ite, round 1,000,000. Muslim v Infidel round 1,000,000,000.
You knew it was coming... Another, its all Obama's fault. Get it through your head! The world is changing faster than the U.S. can influence events. The reason for the change in our policies is because the other way was not working. How did Iraq work out? How is Afghanistan working out? Save me a trip to another commentary. Let's pick......"Dead Passenger found riding subway in Berlin." Please. I am waiting for your argument and rationale about how that is Obama's fault too. You lost the ELECTION Rachel! So Sorry.
Only because of fools like you, who believe a Muslim can rule a democracy.
Enjoy your tax increases, sucka!
"The Arab Spring is Obama's fault (although Tunesia was over and Egypt was out of control before he even took a position on it.)" "Obama is a Muslim (Even though he attended that America-hating, Ex-Marine's black Christian church for ten years, remember the flak he took for that?)" "The fiscal cliff is Obama's fault (not the stonewalling Repugs at all, of course!)."
Normally this would just be laughable, but I find it concerning. Because I thought everyone who still believed this crap had died....by forgetting how to breathe through their mouths!
Rachel stands on solid ground. Obama stated has backing and infavor of the "Arab Spring", when it was starting last spring. Now see what it's produced. Worldwide dissatisfaction!! And death!!! And yes Higher Taxes!!!
It's ok Rachal the left is still blaming Bush for 5 years and counting and will keep on blaming everything else they can because they will never take responsibility for their actions.
By the way Randog I do understand we lost the election. Obama ran a great campaign! To bad thats the only thing he can run good. Everyone have a great Christmas.
Steel toed, ever hear of "takkiya?" And the America-hating black "Christian" church's pastor was a Black Muslim in a "prior life." And anyway, remember that Obama said that, though his pastor officiated at his wedding and counseled him, he--Obama--never heard the anti-white, anti-America hater ranting against whites and America.
How stupid are you?
And Libya's leader was trying to come in from the cold--Gaddafi hadn't been involved in anti-Western terrorism for decades and Mubarak, though brutal in a cliched Muslim-leader way, had been trying to Westernize Egypt and the Christians there were fairly safe from the Muslim hordes until our fearless leader armed the Islamic fanatics across N. Africa.
michael, I don't think it was so much that Obama ran a "great" campaign, it's that the PC blinders of many of the American public couldn't see through the bull: they believed that the Republicans were leading a "War Against Women," basing this on some stupid, stupid comments by elderly asswipes and a discussion of abortion and whether or not it is murder and if so, at what point. They believed this despite the fact that Obama was busy helping Islamic fundamentalists who still perform female genital mutilation and marry 9 year-old girls to old men, just as their "prophet" did. And murder women for "fornication" when they've been raped. Chalk it up to the selfishness of the American public--what doesn't affect them doesn't matter.
Also, Romney ran a bad campaign and SHOULD have had a woman as a running-mate. Preferably a smart black one, like Condoleeza Rice.
I am not upset by this muslim on muslim violence. Sunnis perish, shia perish. No one really cares.
ah yes !!! the peaceful religion that kills women and children without thinking twice what a crap hole fo the world the middle east has become
Did you even think to ask how many of those fokkers were carrying rifles and RPGs strapped to their backs?
Poor, poor, unbelievably poor use of the word "dozens" by MSNBC writers when penning this headline. A double entendre at its worst for an incredibly short-sighted and heartless author.
dozens...what is offensive...just ask'n...
Agreed! I thought I was reading a headline from "The Onion" for a second there.
Hope Assad finishes you damn terrorists off! Only a matter of time before Assad uses his chemical weapons on them.
"allah akhbar?" NOT! satan is a Liar, Thief and Murderer. You Reap What You Sow when you Follow him. The Blind KILLING the Blind in Syria, Egypt and Everywhere else in the "peaceful" islamic world, called Hell. There is No God But YHWH and HIS Son is The Lord YAHSHUA-JESUS Christ!
yahhhh-whhoooo...mountain dew...
The solution to the middle east is simple...ship a lot of weapons into the countries and distribute the weapons as evenly among the populations as possible...then send the Seals in country to secretly lob a few mortars into the shiite and sunni neighborhoods...then just pass both sides the ammo...
good plan.
bad bad headline. dozens killed in a bakery?
haha, I get the title...trying to be funny with human tragedy.... What great journalism...who did the bombing? Are we to assume el presidente's forces as the rebels made a push to take the city? Is there any point to the story, as nothing is confirmed and there is no real information...
40,000 dead, why hasn't the US or any other country stepped forward? Easy, they only have .48% of the world oil production....not worth it to the big oil companies or the politicians they control
They are all terrorists? Sounds like most of the posters have not even been outside their small redneck communities... and ask yourself this, how many people has Christianity killed?
I dont know, but 400,000 White Christian men died serving in WW2. If it wasnt for them youd be speaking German right now.
Kirov -
"how many people has Christianity killed?"
An uncountable number...enough that I keep hoping that the Prophet Barack Hussein Obama will lead his believers to the Promised Land...kind of a Rev. Jim Jones thing but with a lot more people...adding those folks to the middle east would be a hoot to watch...believers are dangerous people...
It's like you were reading my mind :)
AIR STRIKE BY WHO?????? Why dont you people learn how to cover a story, or is it that you dont want to say who the air strike was from? Your pathetic. Anyone that attacks a bakery needs to be put down like a rabid dog.
i don't believe the rebels have air power. it happened in syria. who else but assad?
lol, war. u all want it so have a merry Christmas fighting invisible enemies so our liberties and freedoms can be stripped at home. Merry Christmas from a patriot who hates all socialists.
The air strike wasn't after the people...they were just collateral damage...the target was the bakery so that the government can starve the rebels...which is ok with the US and UN...if the government used chemical weapons it would be a bad thing according to the US and UN...starving your enemy by cutting their supply lines is as old as war itself...
Now they are serving crispy cremes !
Seriously, NBC, does no one *proof* your story titles? "Airstrike on Syrian *bakery* kills *dozens*" Tragic loss of life and it seems like someone was going for a play on words.
What did you expect from savages?
Its time to fire a missile right up Bashar al-Assad's ass.
Most people I know, have heard enuff about Syria to last a lifetime,bang bang ,etc. (who gives a @!$%#)??
Let's make a pact.Keep islam in the east.there are WAY too many people on this planet,with one exception.The endangered American taxpayer.We can't keep bringing these tribal throwbacks here then pay to respect their 'culture'
Well, look on the bright side... At least it wasn't the US that bombed the bakery.
Are we sure?